It’s been an eventful first week for Special Olympics Team Canada!
After our spirited Staging Camp in Toronto, the team departed for Munich, where they spent four days leading up to the Special Olympics World Games Berlin.
This stop along the journey is known as the Special Olympics Host Town Program, the largest communal inclusion project in Germany’s history. 216 towns from across Germany hosted Special Olympics athletes from international delegations.
The Host Towns encourage greater participation and recognition of people with intellectual disabilities in communities across Germany. The program aims to create sustainable networks and partnerships that will last beyond the 2023 World Games with the goal of making those with intellectual disabilities more visible in sports and society.
HOST TOWN ACTIVITIES
Powerlifter Josée Seguin selected as Special Olympics Team Canada Host Town Torch Runner
On Special Olympics Team Canada’s first full day in Munich, they were invited to participate in a Host Town Torch Run with fellow Special Olympics World Games delegation, Saint Kitts and Nevis of the Caribbean.
Powerlifter Josée Seguin was selected to carry the Torch for Special Olympics Team Canada. “It was a real honour to be selected.
It’s a special place to run and it’s great to see everyone from other nations out and about celebrating inclusion and Special Olympics.”
Training at Munich’s Olympiapark
Following the Host Town Torch Run, Special Olympics Team Canada had the honour of training in Munich’s Olympic Park! “
Training in an Olympic stadium has been a dream of mine since I was a little,” says athletics athlete Regan Hofley. “There have been many special moments along this journey, but this is a personal favourite. Thank you to our Host Town, Munich, for making it happen!”
WORLD GAMES OPENING CEREMONY TOMORROW
The Opening Ceremony is the first real goosebumps moment of every big sporting event. It will set the tone for the entire Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023.
Tomorrow, all 138 members of Special Olympics Team Canada – and 7,000 athletes from 190 countries – will walk into the Berlin Olympic Stadium to kick off World Games.
For the first time, you can watch live on TSN!
Special Olympics World Games Berlin Opening Ceremony
Channel: TSN3
Airtime: June 17 @ 3pm ET
SPORT UPDATE
Special Olympics Team Canada basketball squads benefit from cross-country camaraderie
They may come from different courts in different communities across the country, but team spirit will be a strength for Special Olympics Team Canada 2023 basketball players.
“We are quite a diverse team (coast to coast, age range, family life, etc.), but from day one, every one of the athletes has bought in fully to the idea of us being one unit and to embrace our differences and support each other always.”
IN THE NEWS
Special Olympics Team Canada athletes have been making headlines in communities across Canada.
Global News: Canada’s Special Olympics team off to World Games for 1st time since 2019
TSN: Canadian athletes wish luck to Team Canada ahead of Special Olympics
Saltwire: Four Prince Edward Islanders given rousing send-off to Special Olympics World Games in Berlin
980 CMJE: Regina golfer headed to Special Olympics World Games
Pembina Valley Online: Morden’s Colleen Voth off to Berlin for 2023 Special Olympics World Games
Kamloops This Week: Kamloops athlete on way to Special Olympics World Games in Berlin